Nairobi
Giraffe Centre (Lang'ata suburb) - While in Nairobi, a trip to the Giraffe Centre (operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife) is a "must do." Kids can stand on a platform so they are at the same level as the giraffe, and feed them. The giraffe's long blue tongue reaching out is amazing! There's also a self-guided nature trail through a dry forest, with views of the Ngong Hills.
Elephant orphanage (Sheldrick Wildlife Trust ) - The elephant orphanage is filled with baby elephants up to 2 years, playing in the mud puddles like human babies. It's fun because there are only little elephants, and occasionally there's a rhino or two as well. Open daily 11 to noon.
Nairobi Safari Walk - Before you go to the game parks, this is a good introduction to the animals and Kenya habitats - grasslands, woodlands and wetlands. See crocodiles, chubby leopards, lions, white rhinos, Cape buffalos, gazelles, wart hogs in natural habitat open-air enclosures. In the wild, it isn't always easy to catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard, but you'll see them here.
Tip: Give the Mini Animal Orphanage a miss. (With high fences, it feels like an antiquated zoo.)
Nairobi National Museum - The Nairobi National Museum, which has extensive nature and cultural collections, and has been closed for renovation for the past couple of years, but will reopen in 2008.
Parks -
Uhuru and Central Park have plenty of grass and trees, and open space to run around. (Like Central Park in New York, these parks are best avoided at nighttime). In Uhuru Park, rent a row boat to take out on the artificial lake.In City Park, there are streams and tropical trees, benches for picnics and lots of butterflies. Bring your lunch, but don't feed the monkeys in the trees.Fun food
Carnivore restaurant (Langata Rd.) - If your children eat meat, this is a treat. You can dine on long skewers of camel or crocodile (as well as more familiar meats). Plus, on Saturdays, there's donkey and camel rides and other kid's activities.
